There’s no denying that Wiki has been more than just instrumental in Ratking’s success. When critics or fans laud the carefree grittiness of the NY rap crew, more often than not, they are complimenting the drawling but concentrated style of the group’s snaggletoothed pied piper. Always half a beat behind but half a thought ahead, his delivery and lyrical content has won over fans among hip hop tradition- alists and new-school disciples. In short, Wiki is a genuine character.

The sudden announcement of a solo Wiki tape was an exciting prospect – even if Lil Me isn’t the most adventurous statement of intent from a rapper we’re now familiar with, it’s just good to see the Ratking camp keeping busy.

The guest spots from Micachu, Antwon and Skepta all triumph. Skepta’s guest spot sees him at the best he’s sounded post-Shutdown – Wesley Snipes and CocaCola references all bouncing over the hazy instrumental. Ratking cohort Hak swoops in for Sunday School Dropout and shows that the pair’s dynamite chemistry is still intact – if anything, this could’ve been a brilliantly spiky comeback track for the trio but it fits right in on this tape.

With 18 tracks, cohesion and concept take much more of a backseat on Lil Me. It’s a scrapbook of interesting beats, staggered flows and youthful lyricism. The fact that Wiki’s got 18 tracks worth of that to give away for free should in itself be enough to get us excited for what’s to come.

Duncan Harrison